Health Ministry warns on counterfeit vodka, brandy

The counterfeit alcohol can cause serious side effects and even be lethal, Israel's Health Ministry said.

The Ministry of Health has issued a warning against counterfeit alcoholic beverages dangerous to public health. In a joint action by the Ministry of Health Division of Enforcement and Inspection and Israel Police, counterfeit beverages masquerading under the Vodka Stopka, KB Brandy, and Hyajka brand names were seized at a number of small stores in the Rishon Lezion and Tel Aviv areas.

Laboratory tests conducted on the seized beverages showed high levels of methanol up to 28 times the Israel standard. The Ministry of Health stresses that high dosages of methanol can cause side effects, including dizziness, weakness, confusion, headaches, vomiting, abdominal pain, and convulsions. Drinking methanol can also cause blindness by damaging the optic nerve, and even death.

Some of the counterfeit beverages were also found to contain brucine, which has characteristics similar to those of strychnine. Exposure to brucine, including by drinking, is liable to be harmful. Its effects can include nausea, vomiting, convulsions, muscle pain, fever, and kidney failure.